Florida State law requires a parent or legal guardian of a minor seeking an abortion to be notified 48 hours before the abortion is performed by the physician performing the abortion or a referring physician. Parents or legal guardians do not need to be notified prior to your preliminary visit. The “48 hours in advance” portion of the law can be waived by the parent or guardian. This will allow the abortion to proceed without delay on the same day of the notification. THIS LAW DOES NOT REQUIRE PARENTAL CONSENT, just that a parent be notified. There are some exemptions to this law. Minors who have had “the disability of non-age” removed are exempted. This includes: a) Minors who are currently or have been married, b) Minors with dependent children, c) Minors who have been emancipated by court decree, d) Minors who have obtained a judicial bypass. Documentation is required for all of the above circumstances.

If you are a minor seeking an abortion at our clinic, you must either bring your parent or legal guardian with you to the actual abortion procedure appointment (along with your photo ID, their photo ID, and official documentation that they are your parent or legal guardian) or petition the court for a judicial bypass. Unless you petition the court, your parent or legal guardian must sign a form stating that they are aware of your decision. They do not have to agree with your decision but must be notified. You will need to wait at least 48 hours after they sign the form, unless they also sign a waiver of the 48 hour delay requirement which will allow the abortion to proceed that day. If your parent or guardian cannot be present to receive notification, these forms can be filled out and notarized with proper documentation prior to your appointment. The notary will need copies of a) your identification, b) your parent or legal guardian’s identification, c) a birth certificate or other document indicating they are your parent or guardian, and d) a form that can be obtained from the clinic to have notarized and returned to our facility prior to your abortion.

A minor has the right to Judicial Bypass which is an order allowing a doctor to perform an abortion without notifying a parent or guardian. If the judge determines that you are mature enough to make this decision on your own, or that telling your parent or guardian is not in your best interest, he/she may issue an order called a Judicial Bypass. The court document(s) must be provided to North Florida Women’s Health and Counseling Services, Inc. prior to your procedure. Before applying for a Judicial Bypass you need to inform yourself about abortion procedure(s), alternatives to abortion, potential risks and complications, and how to care for yourself afterwards. You may also be asked about your plan to prevent unintended pregnancy in the future. To apply for a judicial bypass you may contact the Path Project of Florida at 1-877-352-7284 or on the web at www.pathproject.net. The Path Project will provide legal services at no cost to you and you will not be required to pay any court fees. You would still be responsible for paying for the abortion procedure.